Apple’s premium peripherals on Android devices, particularly Xiaomi smartphones, are no longer exotic. AirPods’ second-generation wireless headphones work well with MIUI and HyperOS, providing the user with high-quality sound and a stable connection. However, the primary synchronization process here has its own nuances that differ from the usual interaction with the iPhone.
Xiaomi owners need to understand that the device does not require complex manipulations, but knowing the features of the Bluetooth protocol will help avoid common errors. Pairing occurs according to the standard algorithm, but advanced features such as automatic detection of extraction from the ear or a pop-up with a charge require special attention. In this article, we will discuss the entire process in detail.
Before you start setting up, make sure your AirPods 2 are charged and ready to go.A Xiaomi smartphone should also have a wireless module enabled.Although ecosystems are split, Bluetooth technology provides compatibility at a basic level, allowing you to enjoy music and calls without losing quality.
Preparation of equipment and resetting of settings
The first step before starting the mating procedure is to properly prepare both devices.If your headphones have previously been connected to an iPhone or other gadget, they may try to automatically connect to it by igniting a search query from a Xiaomi phone.
You need to put both earbuds in the charge case and close the lid. Then wait about 10-15 seconds for the devices to go into standby mode. The charge case should be charged at least 20-30% to avoid suddenly turning off during the setup process. Open the lid, but do not remove the headphones yet.
⚠️ Note: If you have previously connected these AirPods to another Android device or TV, be sure to remove them from the list of saved devices on that gadget, otherwise addressing conflicts may occur.
In some cases, especially if the headphones are unpredictable, it is recommended to perform a full reset. To do this, put the AirPods in the case, open the lid and press the setting button on the back of the case. Hold it for 15 seconds until the indicator flashes in amber and then white. This will return the device to factory settings.
☑️ Connection readiness
The process of pairing through the Bluetooth menu
The basic method of connecting does not require any additional software installation and is implemented by the MIUI operating system itself. Open the settings of your Xiaomi smartphone and go to the Bluetooth section. Make sure that the slider is activated and the phone starts searching for available devices within range.
Now, reopen the AirPods case cover without removing it. There's a round button on the back of the charger case. Press it once and let it go. The indicator inside the case (or on the front, depending on the modification) should start flashing white light, which means the device has gone into visibility mode.
On the screen of the Xiaomi smartphone, the name "AirPods" or "AirPods (2)" should appear in the list of available devices. Click on it to initiate a connection. The system can request a confirmation of pairing - agree with it. In a few seconds, the status will change to "Connected".
- 🎧 Open Bluetooth settings on Xiaomi and enable search.
- 🔘 Press and release the button on the back of the AirPods case.
- 📱 Select "AirPods" from the list of found devices on the phone screen.
- ✅ Confirm the request for conjugation if it appears.
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If the phone doesn’t see the headphones, try bringing the case closer to the top of the smartphone, where the Bluetooth antenna module is usually located.
Customization of audio codecs and sound quality
After a successful connection, many users question the quality of the audio stream being transmitted. By default, Xiaomi can use the basic SBC codec, which provides acceptable, but not perfect sound. To unlock the potential of AirPods 2, it is recommended to activate more advanced codecs if they are supported.
To check and change your settings, go to Settings → Bluetooth. Find the AirPods connected in the list and click on the gear icon or arrow next to the name. In the menu that opens, select Bluetooth Codec (if available in your firmware version).
The best choice for balancing quality and stability is the AAC codec, which is natively supported by Apple products. Codecs like aptX or LDAC may not work or work properly, since the Apple H1 chip is primarily focused on AAC. Forced inclusion of unsupported codecs can lead to desynchronization of audio in video.
| Parameter | Description | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| SBC | Basic codec, minimum quality | Use only when there are problems |
| AAC | High quality, native support | Recommended choice |
| aptX | Qualcomm Codec for Android | Not compatible with AirPods |
| LDAC | Hi-Res audio from Sony | Not supported |
Why does not aptX work on AirPods?
Use of third-party applications for advanced functionality
Because AirPods are built for the Apple ecosystem, they lack a number of features on Android: no access to noise reduction settings (although not available in Model 2, but limited dual tap settings), no display of the exact charge level of each headphone in the standard widget, and specialized applications are the solution.
One of the most popular and proven solutions is MaterialPods, or AndPods, which emulates the system pop-up that appears on the iPhone when you open the case, and they read the battery data through Bluetooth and output it in a beautiful interface.
To install, go to Google Play Market and search for the app name. After installation, provide the necessary permissions to work with Bluetooth and geolocation (the latter is required by Android to scan devices).
- 📲 Download MaterialPods or AndPods from Play Market.
- 🔓 Allow Bluetooth and location access in Android settings.
- 👁️ Turn on the “Show popup” option to display the charge window.
- ⚙️ Set up actions for double touch through the application interface.
⚠️ Warning: Third-party apps can consume extra battery power on your smartphone, as they constantly query the status of your headphones.If the phone's autonomy is critical, use widgets only when necessary.
Solution: Sound and microphone problems
When using AirPods 2 with Xiaomi, users may experience a situation where the music is quiet, or people complain about a quiet voice when calling, due to differences in the implementation of A2DP and HFP profiles in different versions of Android and MIUI shells.
If the sound seems too quiet even at maximum volume, check the absolute volume settings. In the Settings → Bluetooth menu, click on the three dots in the upper right corner (or find in the additional Bluetooth settings). Find the "On absolute volume" item and try to change its state (on or off), then reconnect the headphones.
Mik problems are often solved by cleaning the speaker grid, but if it's the software part, resetting network settings will help. Go to Settings → Connection and Sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth. This action will remove all stored networks and devices, so passwords will have to be re-entered.
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Volume issues on Xiaomi are often solved by switching the "Absolute Volume" option in the hidden Bluetooth menu.
Also, when you use the microphone actively (call, voice recorder, voice chat games), the sound quality automatically switches to mono mode with low sampling rate. This is the standard behavior of the Bluetooth protocol to ensure low voice latency, not a defect of the device.
Features of work in games and when watching videos
Latency is a parameter that gamers and movie lovers alike are excited about. AirPods 2 has a latency of about 150-200 milliseconds, which is noticeable in dynamic shooters where a shot can sound later than a shot on the screen. For singles or RPGs, it's not critical, but for eSports it can be uncomfortable.
In some Xiaomi games, there is a separate option, "Low Delay Mode" or "Game Mode." Make sure it's activated. Also in the Settings menu → Special Features → Audio (the path may vary depending on the version of MIUI), you can try to enable the mono-sound option, which sometimes helps synchronize the flow, although the stereo effect is still there.
To watch videos on apps like YouTube or Netflix, the delay is usually compensated by the player itself, so you should not see any lip or sound dissynchronization. If you use third-party video players (such as MX Player), turn on the audio-video sync function in their settings and add the delay manually if necessary.
- 🎮 In dynamic games, the delay of sound can be noticeable due to the features of the codec. AAC.
- 🎬 Video services usually compensate for the delay automatically.
- ⚙️ Check the Game Mode settings in Security or Game Turbo on Xiaomi.